The Tribune

By NATARIO MCKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister says it cannot be “business as usual” with the mail boat system, acknowledging the need for government intervention to improve the system.

Frankie Campbell, minister of transport and local government, during his contribution to the mid-year Budget debate also conceded that attention had to be paid to existing mail boat contracts.

“There are 22 mail boat routes which are serviced by 19 mail boat operators, all of whom receive a government subvention to undertake this service,” Mr Campbell told Parliament, noting that just over $2 million has been paid out to operators during the six months to end-December 2017.

“This system is a source of constant commentary by the Bahamian public, much of which speaks to the improvements required in the system, specifically in the area of customer satisfaction.

“It is absolutely necessary that Family Islanders receive their goods in accordance with established schedules, and that the goods are in an acceptable condition when they arrive at island destinations. Business as usual cannot continue in this essential sector, and there is need for government to make some interventions to improve the system.”

Mr Campbell continued: “I also acknowledge the need for attention to be given to the existing mailboat contracts, which have been in place since March 2008.”

He added that of greater importance is the need to ensure that mail boats, ferry boats and large vessels involved in commercial activity are safe for the carriage of passengers and cargo.

Speaking with Tribune Business in October last year, Raphael Moxey, president of the Mailboat Owners and Operators Association, said operators have been advocating for an increase in the tariff “for sometime now”, an issue that will be raised with the Minnis administration.

Roderick Simms, chair of the Chamber’s Family Island division, previously told Tribune Business he was receiving constant complaints from the southern Bahamas that some mail boats were not abiding by government-imposed freight tariffs.He added that other complaints related to infrequent sailings; missing goods; and perishables that went bad during voyages because refrigeration equipment was broken.